Ernie Tyhurst spent three terms on the Ripon Unified school board.

Add that to his time with the Ripon Police Department or with the City of Ripon as the Director of Planning and Economic Development.

“Tonight, I bring to a close to more than 50 years of public service,” Tyhurst said at this month’s school board session in the Council Chambers.

He received a commemorative brass hand bell from his colleagues as show of appreciation for his long-time service.

“You brought a lot of experience and knowledge,” said board President Chad Huskey. “You will be missed.”

Tyhurst served as the representative for Trustee Area 2 – back in 2012, he and colleague Kit Oase helped orchestrate the plan of realigning the trustee areas based on the population of each area while being in compliance with the “one person, one vote” principle.

As a result, RUSD went from at-large to trustee area election.

“You always did your homework,” Oase said of Tyhurst. “Your wisdom was an asset to this board.”

Annette Vande Pol, who ran opposed – ditto that for Oase and Huskey – will now fill the Trustee Area 2 seat.

Tyhurst still has his various community endeavors such as American Legion Post 190, Lion’s Club, Rotary and the athletic programs at Ripon High, to name a few.

Superintendent Ziggy Robeson was one of four to hold the top administrative position during Tyhurst’s time of the board. The others were Leo Zuber, Louise (Nan) Johnson and Bill Draa.

“You will always hold a special place in my heart,” she said.

To contact reporter Vince Rembulat, e-mail vrembulat@mantecabulletin.com.